Consumer Affairs


Man holding phone and credit card

Consumer Protection

Get tips on buying products and services. File a complaint against a company.

Protect Yourself
scam squad logo

Scam Squad

Learn to spot, avoid and report scams. Find out how to partner with us.

Learn About Scams
Man pumping gas with wallet open

Weights and Measures

We inspect weights and measures throughout the county to make sure they’re accurate.

Learn About Our Work
ready notify logo

Sign Up Today!

Protect yourself and your loved ones from scams. Register for Scam Squad alerts.

Register For Alerts

 What's Happening?

Avoid Extortion Email Scams

 

Scam Squad is receiving reports about extortion emails that threaten to expose people’s online activities unless they send money to a bitcoin account. Some people were worried because the emails include their phone numbers and photos of their homes or workplaces.

While these creepy emails seem personal, the scammers are using a formatted letter and pasting in contact information and street-view photos that are readily available online.

If you receive one of these extortion emails, delete it or report it as junk to your email service provider.

  • Do not reply to threatening emails
  • Avoid clicking on links or using codes sent by unknown senders
  • Never pay in response to threatening calls, texts or emails

Although there’s little reason to believe the senders possess photos of the people they’re threatening, it’s a good idea to occasionally update your passwords and keep cameras covered or disabled when you’re not using them.

Visit Cuyahoga County’s Internet Safety page to find easy ways to protect your devices from spyware and other online threats.

Need help? Call Scam Squad at 216-443-7226.

File a Complaint

Call 216-443-SCAM (7226) or use our online form.

Report Online


 Events

  • Cuyahoga County Library Parma-Snow Branch - 2121 Snow Road Parma , OH 44134

    12/05/2024 - 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

  • Gunning Park Recreation Center - 16700 Puritas Ave Cleveland , OH 44135

    12/06/2024 - 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

  • Cleveland Heights High School Auditorium - 13263 Cedar Road Cleveland Heights , OH 44118

    12/10/2024 - 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

 

 

 


  
How could we make it better? Leaving an email can assist us in troubleshooting the issue.
  
Thank you for your feedback
Your feedback means a lot to us. We use it to improve the experience of all of our users.